Text © World of Showjumping

“I look forward to contributing to a collaborative environment where riders support one another, and push standards higher,” Stella Wasserman tells World of Showjumping as she shares her story about her showjumping journey – from growing up around horses, to train with USA’s six-time Olympian McLain Ward and his team, and now moving on to represent Israel.

“My mom and grandmother both rode horses on the West Coast in California,” Stella tells about her childhood. “They did hunters and equitation, and I grew up around horses. I always loved horses as a little kid and was simply drawn to them.”

The 21-year-old is currently based in New York for most of the year and in Wellington in the winter. “I have four horses,” she tells about her team. “Precious Dwerse Hagen (Cornet Obolensky x Casall) is my number one horse, she's a horse I've jumped most of the five-star Grand Prix classes on lately. She's pretty spectacular. Myjorka (Mylord Carthago x Quidam’s Rubin) is my ranking class horse, and also the horse I've had the longest out of all of the ones in my string; we're coming up on about two years. And then I have Myla (Crunch 3 x Quadros), who I recently came across. Late October was when I first started showing her, we are just figuring each other out and forming that bond. A Man After Midnight Z (Aganix du Seigneur Z x Aldatus) is the newest member; I’ve only just done my first international shows with him.”

“Myla obviously had a very strong resume when I bought her, coming from one of the best riders in the world,” Stella tells about the 11-year-old mare she acquired from current world number one Kent Farrington. “It's always a privilege to be able to have a horse like her. I have just been trying to focus on building a partnership with her and getting to know her. Doing the right things and having the best bond possible will make moving up and jumping the bigger classes easier. I don't want to rush anything; I want to form a good partnership with her and make sure I really understand her first.”

Stella rode with Max Amaya for about three years before transitioning to training with current world number ten McLain Ward. “Max is an incredible trainer, and well connected to McLain,” Stella explains. “I've always known McLain on a personal level; him and my dad are very well acquainted with each other. Last year, we had a meeting with McLain and Max and decided that it was the right time to make a transition into training full-time with McLain. He's always been there for me as a consultant advisor, and now he's my full-time trainer. That happened last August.”

“Our first show together was the Hampton Classic,” Stella continues. “Training with him is incredible. His attention to detail, the work ethic he inspires, the culture he builds, the whole team that works behind him and with him is incredible. I've been so lucky to be able to learn from not only him, but people like Lee and Erica McKeever, and Craig Pollard, all the grooms, and seeing what they do every day – it's a special culture to be a part of. Lee is probably one of the most knowledgeable people I've ever spoken to not only about the sport but horses in general. To be able to ask him questions and have him around on a day-to-day basis is an honour. It's so nice to be able to trust that the people around you always have your best interest in mind and are doing everything they can as a team behind you.”

“I think the biggest lesson I've learned so far probably is on the mental side of things,” she shares. “McLain is very open about what he's gone through in the sport and how he's overcome performance-anxiety and pressure. It's something I've struggled with a lot as well as I've dealt with pressure from different aspects. Learning how to deal with that and still ride to the best of your ability, and not let it affect you, is something I've really taken to heart. It's been valuable to learn of his journey, that's really helped me.”

“This season I want to get to know my couple of new horses and form a good partnership with them,” Stella tells about her goals for the summer ahead. “With the ones I already have going, I want to continue to place in five-star shows and transition into being a team member for Israel and helping there in any way I can as a part of the team.”

"My long-term vision in showjumping is to compete consistently at the highest FEI levels while building a career defined by excellence, longevity, and purpose,” she explains. “Beyond results, I aim to be a committed and reliable representative – someone who contributes to team culture, supports the growth of the sport, and represents the country with professionalism and integrity. This decision allows me to pursue ambitious competitive goals while being part of something larger than myself."

"The most important goal that I am focused on is being a team player for Israel as a national team. I want to contribute in any way possible on any level, to help the team have success. The Israeli showjumping program has demonstrated strong momentum in recent years, and I am inspired by the ambition, professionalism, and resilience within the team.”

20.5.2026 No reproduction of any of the content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.